Currently having an attack

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do to feel better? I do have some pills(Xanax type stuff) I can take but I only want to take them if I truly can't take the panic/anxiety.

[Haven62]

Hi. I used to have severe panic attacks. It depended on the circumstances, but the first was the breathing in thru the nose and out the mouth (or into a paper bag) like for hyperventilating. Second breathing one was laying down with book on belly. breathe in and out making the book rise and fall every time. (u can't do that and be panicky at the same time) but you can't always lay down either. If it were a situation I had to deal with, the best advice I got was to ask myself the question "what is the worst possible thing that could happen in this situation?" think of what you would fear the most, then answer "what will I do if that happens?" Once you have that plan of action in your mind, it has a calming effect. I think its got alot to do with knowing how u will control the situation, not let the situation control u. & sometimes, just take the med. and get thru it. It gets better. God bless.

[jul04]

I know that when I am having an anxiety/panic attack if I try and fight it, it gets worse.  Don't fight it, you have to face it.  Try and do some relaxation breathing and focus on something positive.  

You can always try and do something such as crossword puzzles, say the alphabet backwards or try and do math problems in your head.  Just remember to try and stay calm and relax.  I know that this is much easier said than done but this is what gets me through it.

If you can't handle it you might want to try and take the meds.

Good Luck...Feel better....

[metalfan1]

I am feeling slightly better and I know I will defeat this if I try.I have hope but sometimes I feel like it goes away. I do try a breathing technique that my counselor told me about. I'll try your suggestions, it's just hard to focus while going through an attack lol. I hope you have a great rest of the day and I'm here for you and anyone else that needs help/support!!! =]

[Haven62]

Hi. I used to have severe panic attacks. It depended on the circumstances, but the first was the breathing in thru the nose and out the mouth (or into a paper bag) like for hyperventilating. Second breathing one was laying down with book on belly. breathe in and out making the book rise and fall every time. (u can't do that and be panicky at the same time) but you can't always lay down either. If it were a situation I had to deal with, the best advice I got was to ask myself the question "what is the worst possible thing that could happen in this situation?" think of what you would fear the most, then answer "what will I do if that happens?" Once you have that plan of action in your mind, it has a calming effect. I think its got alot to do with knowing how u will control the situation, not let the situation control u. & sometimes, just take the med. and get thru it. It gets better. God bless.

[metalfan1]

Thank you very much. Breathing did seem to help but I guess I didn't do it for long enough time cuase I still feel a little on edge but I will continue with the breathing as soon as I can. Thank you once again and I'm here for you just like you were there for me!!! =]